British Gas
Thinking of switching to British Gas? Read our guide to British Gas tariffs, pricing and their boiler and heating cover.
Thinking of switching to British Gas? Read our guide to British Gas tariffs, pricing and their boiler and heating cover.
How do I contact British Gas?
There are several ways to contact British Gas
Live chat: speak to an advisor between Mon-Fri (7am-10pm) and Sat-Sun (8am-6pm) or British Gas’ virtual assistant 24/7.
Phone:
- Energy customers — Mon-Fri (9am-5pm) on 0330 100 0056.
- Home Services — Mon-Fri (9am-5pm) on 0333 009 5784.
- For a meter emergency — 24/7 on 0333 009 6135.
E-mail: [email protected]
Why choose British Gas?
British Gas is the largest energy supplier in the UK and its history stretches back over 200 years.
Since the gas industry was privatised and British Gas PLC was formed in 1986, British Gas has established itself as one of the UK’s ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers. However, it’s roots go much further back. In 1812, the Gas Light and Coke Company was incorporated, which started a more than 200-year journey to where they are today.
British Gas is owned by energy producer Centrica. It produces the gas and electricity that British Gas then supplies to homes across the UK. This relationship has allowed British Gas to build a strong business as a ‘Big Six’ energy supplier.
It's also becoming an attractive choice for environmentally conscious customers. British Gas aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and has several go-green initiatives. These include protecting UK woodlands and introducing their Green Future tariff.
British Gas also has its own charity, the British Gas Energy Trust, set up to help families and individuals dealing with financial hardship and energy debt.
British Gas tariffs
There are several types of tariff available. Here’s how British Gas prices depend on your tariff type:
- Standard variable tariffs (SVTs) — your price per unit of energy can vary in line with the wholesale market. That price may rise or fall.
- Dual fuel tariffs — bundles your gas and electricity costs into one monthly payment. These could be available as fixed-rate or standard variable tariffs.
- Pre-payment tariffs — you pay for what you use up front. This means you decide how much you pay each month. However, your supply is cut off when you run out of credit. Historically, pre-payment tariffs have had a higher cost per unit of energy (kWh) than those who pay via Direct Debit.
- Electric vehicle tariffs — customers can charge their electric vehicles overnight at a lower rate rather than the standard unit rate. You’ll need a smart meter (or agree to get one) for this tariff.
There are some types of British Gas tariffs that currently aren’t available:
- Fixed-rate tariffs — your price per unit of energy (kWh) is fixed for a set period. However, the price you pay may rise and fall in line with your usage.
- Renewable tariffs — unfortunately, renewable tariffs can be more expensive than traditional tariffs which rely more on fossil fuels. However, as the energy market continues to shift in favour of renewable sources and capacity increases, prices are expected to fall.
What services does British Gas provide?
As well as its energy supply, British Gas offers a number of services through its HomeCare plans, delivered by its engineers nationwide. These include:
- Heating and boiler cover
- Plumbing and drains cover
- Electrical cover
- Appliance cover
British Gas also provides the following services:
- Boiler installation
- Heat pumps installation
- Solar panel installation
British Gas reviews
At the time of writing (June 2023), British Gas has an ‘average’ rating on Trustpilot – a score of 3.6 stars out of five.
Find British Gas reviews on Trustpilot
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel my British Gas supply?
Yes, you can switch or cancel your British Gas energy supply whenever you like.
However, if you’re on a fixed British Gas tariff, you’ll probably need to pay an exit fee if you’re wanting to switch or cancel it early. Exit fees aren’t usually very expensive, but they may apply per fuel, so one for electricity and one for gas.
Can I get a smart meter with British Gas?
Yes, you can get a smart meter with a British Gas tariff.
You can book a free smart meter installation online. An engineer will come to your home at a time that suits you. Your smart meter will take about two hours to install.
How can I complain to British Gas?
If you’re unhappy with your British Gas service or supply, you can make a complaint online.
If you’d rather speak to someone immediately, energy customers can call on 0330 100 0056.
How do I submit a British Gas meter reading?
You can submit a British Gas meter reading online.
If you have an online account, you can log in and submit it that way. If you don’t, you can still submit a meter reading using your name and account number.
Is British Gas HomeCare 24 hours?
Yes, British Gas HomeCare is a 24/7 emergency help service that you can access online or on the phone.